Fantasy Notes: Jeter Breaks RBI Skid

Derek Jeter helped the Yankees snap a two-game losing skid with a huge game Monday, going 2-for-3 with three walks, three runs and his first two RBI since August 20. He is still without an extra-base hit since August 20, but after batting .345 in August and getting off to such a fine start in September, his owners have to be pleased with recent developments. Overall, as we’ve discussed, it’s been a tough year on Jeter owners. He’s headed for his lowest hits total since 2003, when injuries cost him 43 games. Worse still, his power numbers have completely evaporated and so have his steals. — RR

Mariano Rivera, meanwhile, hasn’t appeared in a game since he saved Friday’s win over the Jays. He was worked pretty hard in August, so a few days off might not be such a bad idea. Having him fresh for the Tampa Bay series will be important – especially considering how effective he’s been against the Rays in recent years. Between 2005 and 2007, Mo recorded a 1.35 ERA against Tampa Bay, giving up just 16 hits and six walks in 26 2/3 IP, while fanning 37. This year, he’s been even more effective, going 4-for-4 in save chances while putting up a 1.23 ERA and surrendering just four hits and one walk against 11 strikeouts in 7 1/3 IP. That’ll do. — RR

Monday night marked the return of Adam Jones and he responded in fine fashion, hitting one deep for the Orioles. For those of you who might be remiss, Jones was on his way to a great start to the second half before the broken bone in his foot derailed him at the beginning of August. I really like the potential heading into 2009 for this 23-year-old and, in keeper formats, would find a home for him right smartly. — TM

Other than the purveyors of Asian talent (that would be me, and RotoRob, although he tends to focus more on lovely Asian ladies), and the few Indian fans still admitting it, has anyone noticed the numbers currently being produced by Shin-Soo Choo? Choo has been on fire and is doing everything in his power to convince the Indians that he should be penciled in every day heading into ‘09. In his past five games, he’s smacked three homers, produced seven RBI and is hitting to the tune of a .579 BA. This would be one case where I think you have to agree with Mary Murphy and get on the train, the Choo Choo train, before it leaves the station. — TM

The stars must have been aligned just about perfectly Monday as we got to witness not one, but two players hitting for the cycle. Stephen Drew and Adrian Beltre both accomplished this feat, the first time two players did it on the same day since September 17, 1920 when George Burns (I wonder if Gracie was in attendance) and Bobby Veach each turned the trick. Beltre also managed to chip in with five runs scored, and looks to be heading for a strong finish for the Mariners. — TM

For a player that most had written off heading into ‘08, Carlos Delgado has had a truly outstanding season. Monday, he mashed his 31st long ball in leading the Mets to a come-from-behind victory over the Brew Crew. Having already surpassed both his home run and RBI totals from 2007, isn’t it just about time to give the big guy some justifiable recognition as an NL MVP candidate? The return to form for Delgado has certainly been a big factor in the Mets holding off the Phillies for first in the NL East thus far. — TM